For Hi-Hats

2017
for percussion quartet of 4 hi-hats

Commissioned by Composers Guild of New Jersey
Written for the So Percussion Summer Institute

Program note:

The defining feature of the hi-hat is the pedal opening and closing the two cymbals. This gives both the ability to control the resonance of the instrument and the duration of notes. In ‘For Hi-Hats’ I explore both of these abilities through the framework of simple arithmetic processes creating tightly choreographed rhythmic coordination between the four performers.

Quote:

"For Hi-Hats" is a great piece for 4 percussionists to work on interlocking rhythms on 'like' instruments. Your students will find this piece accessible yet challenging, and the portability makes it a hit in most any performance space. I highly recommend it!

-Josh Quillen, So Percussion